1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Butcher’s Maid, originally built as KAMINISTIQUIA in 1871 by S. Neff in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was a wooden propeller vessel. The vessel measured 80 feet (24.4 meters) in length, 17 feet (5.2 meters) in beam, and 8 feet (2.4 meters) in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 129 tons and a net tonnage of 75 tons. Over its operational life, the vessel underwent several name changes and rebuilds, reflecting its varied roles and ownership.
3. HISTORY #
The Butcher’s Maid began its life as the KAMINISTIQUIA, constructed in 1871 by S. Neff in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The vessel served multiple purposes throughout its history, starting as a passenger and package freight steamer. It was first renamed JESSIE OLIVER in 1873, and then ALBERT NEFF in 1875. In 1885, the vessel underwent a significant rebuild and was renamed Butcher’s Maid, with the official number C71223.
In 1872, the vessel was sold to Canadian owners and played a crucial role as a commissary boat during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Butcher’s Maid primarily operated as a passenger and freight vessel, trading between Port Arthur and various points along the north shore of Lake Superior.
The vessel’s final voyage occurred on October 20, 1886, during a storm near Porphyry Point on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The Butcher’s Maid was driven ashore by the storm and broke apart in the waves. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the wreck, but the vessel was considered a total loss. At the time of the incident, the vessel was carrying quarry stone.
Valued at $6,000, the Butcher’s Maid had no insurance coverage, making the loss a significant financial blow to its owners. The vessel and its cargo were lost in the wreck, ending its service on the Great Lakes.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Butcher’s Maid was wrecked on October 20, 1886, near Porphyry Point on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The vessel was driven ashore during a storm and subsequently broke up in the waves. The wreck was declared a total loss, with the vessel and its cargo of quarry stone lost in the incident. Fortunately, no lives were lost.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Butcher’s Maid. Mariners navigating near Porphyry Point on the North Shore of Lake Superior should be aware of the historical wreck site and potential underwater hazards.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The specific location of the Butcher’s Maid’s wreck near Porphyry Point on the North Shore of Lake Superior is not documented. The site of the loss has been known since the vessel’s wreck in 1886.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The condition of the Butcher’s Maid’s wreck is not well-documented. Given the vessel was driven ashore and broken apart in a storm, it is likely that the wreck is in a severely deteriorated state. Further exploration would be required to assess the current condition and accessibility of the wreck.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills List
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The history of the Butcher’s Maid, with its multiple name changes and roles, highlights the versatility and resilience of vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. The vessel’s loss near Porphyry Point serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by the unpredictable weather and treacherous waters of Lake Superior. The financial impact of the loss, given the lack of insurance, would have been significant for its owners.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Due to the limited information on the depth and condition of the Butcher’s Maid’s wreck, diving details are not readily available. However, if the site were to be explored, it would likely require advanced diving skills due to the potential deterioration of the wreck and the historical significance of the site. Divers should approach the site with caution and respect for the vessel’s history.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century
- Propeller Vessel
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
CONCLUSION #
The Butcher’s Maid, originally launched as KAMINISTIQUIA in 1871, played a varied and important role in the maritime history of the Great Lakes before meeting its tragic end in 1886. The vessel’s multiple name changes and roles reflect its adaptability, while its loss near Porphyry Point on Lake Superior serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by vessels on these vast and often treacherous waters. The wreck of the Butcher’s Maid remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Superior.
